The Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market" is held on the morning of the third Sunday of every month.
The theme for this first event of the new year is "Kitchen Car Day." There are many food-related stalls, and I thought I could enjoy some food while walking around, so I decided to check it out.
I will report on regular vendors as well as activities for children.
What is the Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market"?
The Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market" is held with the aim of promoting local production for local consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, processed goods, and crafts from the Takahashi River basin in Okayama Prefecture, as well as contributing to the "Takahashi River Basin Core City Area Concept."
The venue is around the shopping district in front of JR Kurashiki Station and is generally held from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on the third Sunday of every month.
The event I attended was held on January 21, 2024 (Sunday).
I visited the Kurashiki Sansai Market
I arrived at the venue, the shopping district in front of JR Kurashiki Station, around 8:30 AM.
It was a mid-winter morning, and although it was shortly after opening, the venue was already bustling with many people.
At "Furuichi Nakaten," a bukkake udon shop, they were doing live sales of taiyaki and fuman (Oban-yaki) at the storefront to coincide with the Sansai Market, and customers were constantly coming to buy them.
"Nakayama Meat Shop," a company that usually sells Chiyagyu Beef skewers near the entrance of the shopping district.
Enticed by the delicious smell of grilled meat, I stopped by.
The tender meat and the melting fat are just perfect.
Now, let me introduce some shops that caught my attention.
Kurashiki Ablaze
"Kurashiki Ablaze," a women's volleyball team based in Kurashiki.
Founded in 2019, they are active in the V League across the country.
In addition to official merchandise, the players were selling Japanese sweets.
I bought "Abu-chan's paw pads," which look like cat paws, and the limited edition "Nama Choco Daifuku" to take home.
Since home games are free to enter, I thought I would like to watch a match when the timing is right.
Bisei Smoked Products
I stopped by after being tempted by the samples.
When you hear "smoked," you might think it has a strong flavor, but the smoked products here use hickory (walnut) chips, making them easy to eat.
I bought "Cheese-kun (smoked cheese)," but the "Tamago-kun (smoked egg)" I sampled was also delicious, so I want to try buying it next time.
Shooting Corner
In the shopping district, there was a nostalgic "shooting" corner at "Bios Ikoi no Hiroba."
Since my child wanted to try it, I purchased a ticket at the main office and gave it a go. You can shoot 5 times in practice and 5 times in the actual event, which is quite generous.
By the way, the result was... a participation prize, but I think we had enough fun.
Next time, I hope they can aim for smaller targets as well.
Conclusion
It had been a while since I visited the "Kurashiki Sansai Market," and there were exhibitors and products I had never seen before, making it worth getting up early in the cold.
I was reminded once again of how wonderful it is to see the faces of the makers behind the products.
Additionally, there was a gachapon event for preschool children near the entrance of the shopping district.
There was a stamp rally-like sheet, and if you brought it, you could challenge it once (stamps are added to the month you participated).
The next event will be held on February 18, 2024 (Sunday) from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The theme will be "ALL Basin Day." For details, please check the Kurashiki Sansai Market website.
Data on the Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market"
| Name | Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market" |
|---|---|
| Date | January 21, 2024 (Sunday) 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM *Generally held on the third Sunday of every month |
| Location | Shopping district in front of JR Kurashiki Station and its surroundings |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | Takahashi River basin "Kurashiki Sansai Market" |
